2017 Volkswagen Golf Hatchback

Manufacturer Offer

* Disclaimer(s)

Truth in Lending Act Disclosure:
Down payment will vary with APR and credit. For example, 0.0% APR with $2,500 down payment provides for 72 monthly payments of $13.89 per $1000 financed for qualified buyers. 0.0% for a term of 24 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $41.67 per $1000 financed.
0.0% for a term of 36 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $27.78 per $1000 financed.
0.0% for a term of 39 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $25.64 per $1000 financed.
0.0% for a term of 42 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $23.81 per $1000 financed.
0.0% for a term of 48 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $20.83 per $1000 financed.
0.0% for a term of 60 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $16.67 per $1000 financed.
0.5% for a term of 75 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $13.55 per $1000 financed. The rates described are for estimation purposes only; you may not be able to finance at this rate.

Manufacturer Offer

College Grad Offer : $500 customer cash on select Volkswagen models

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Must be within six months of graduation or have graduated no more than 24 months prior to the date of his/her credit application, from a 2- or 4-year accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university with one of the following degrees: Associate's; Bachelor's; Master's ;Doctoral Nursing degree (RN or LPN).
Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Reviews

Driving Impression

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Handling and drivability are the Golf’s top merits. Overall, the Golf’s comportment is more serious than its price structure might suggest. Even the practical but competent base models handle quite well. Though a basic Golf blends comfort with sport, it cannot stay as flat while cornering as a Mazda3. However, VW’s compact feels more at home with everyday driving, yielding an absorbent ride and smoother responses.

Even the base 1.8-liter powertrain performs well, though the long strokes needed to shift the manual transmission sap some of the pleasure. Most drivers are likely to be happy with the automatic. Any turbo lag is essentially imperceptible. Road noise is minimal.

Stepping up in performance and handling, the GTI provides a delightful balance between practicality and fun. Gear changes within the 6-speed automatic are neatly-timed and crisp, while the GTI’s manual gearbox has better feel than the base 5-speed. Progressive steering and a performance-tuned suspension make the GTI more satisfying to drive at higher speeds.

The hot Golf R gets a big boost, to 292 horsepower, along with more aggressive suspension tuning. Excellent road grip with all-wheel drive helps make the Golf R a solid competitor to Subaru’s WRX STI. Four driving modes (Comfort, Normal, Race, and Individual) affect the powertrain, steering, and ride quality.

Both the SportWagen and new Alltrack promise a smooth, polished driving experience. Despite the Alltrack’s slightly higher stance and all-wheel drive, plus an Off-Road Mode, off-pavement ability is only mildly improved.

All Golfs are acceptably fuel-efficient. Models with the base 1.8-liter and manual transmission are EPA-rated at 25/36 mpg City/Highway, or 29 mpg Combined. Automatic drops the highway estimate to 35 mpg.

Wagons with the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic are EPA-rated at 25/34 mpg City/Highway, or 29 mpg Combined. GTI models manage 24/34 mpg City/Highway with manual, and 24/32 mpg with automatic. The Golf R is EPA-rated at 22/31 mpg City/Highway with manual, and 23/30 mpg with automatic.

Walk Around

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Styling is unabashedly conservative; perhaps even old-fashioned and straight-laced. Practicality, not stunning beauty, is the Golf’s forte.

Standing apart from the regular Golf, the GTI maintains a more assertive stance with its lowered sport suspension, brandishing such details as LED taillights, red brake calipers, a rear diffuser, distinctive side skirts, and 17-inch Brooklyn wheels.

Also establishing its own identity is the new Alltrack, fitted with lower-body cladding, foglamps, a honeycomb grille, and unique bumpers.

Interior Overview

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Stepping inside the Golf, the comparatively prosaic body is likely to be forgotten, overridden by a spacious, functional cabin. Hard surfaces abound in the base model, though material quality is reasonably good. The simple, straightforward layout is strictly driver-focused. For instance, the center stack leans toward the driver, who faces hooded gauges.

Upper trim levels use better-quality materials, with the same layout. Base models get a 5-inch touchscreen, while upper trim levels feature a 6.5-inch screen. Volkswagen provides good infotainment systems, too.

Front seats are class-leading. Highly supportive, they adjust easily to accommodate a variety of body types and sizes. Rear occupants may find space a little tight, but getting into and out of the back seat isn’t an ordeal at all. We recommend cloth seats rather than the too-rubbery standard leatherette.

Cargo volume in the Golf hatchback totals 22.8 cubic feet behind the back seats. Pull the quick-release latches to lower the seatbacks, and you have 52.7 cubic feet. SportWagens, built on a longer wheelbase, offer even more cargo space: 30.4 cubic feet behind the seat, and 66.5 with seatbacks folded. Seatbacks don’t fold completely flat.

Summary

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Styling might be too conservative for some tastes, but lack of visual stimulation is easily outweighed by the Golf’s admirable performance and strong safety record. Carefully-planned interiors provide plenty of cargo space. Overall, Volkswagen’s compact, whether hatchback or wagon, is among the most refined cars in its category.

Driving impressions by Aaron Cole, The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.

Golf R ($35,655) is similar to GTI, but with performance upgrades that include the 292-horsepower engine, all-wheel drive, and a stiffer suspension. Golf R is available with navigation and dynamic chassis control, which aims to minimize harshness and road noise ($39,375).